Legoland Florida Announced for 2011

As I mentioned in my 2009 Theme Park Year in Review, Cypress Gardens (Winter Haven, Florida) closed last year. This week, Merlin and Legoland Park executives announced that they will be building Legoland Florida on the site of the old Cypress Gardens. Here are a few notes from the announcement:

The park, which is planned for the former site of Cypress Gardens, is expected to include between 40 and 50 main attractions. In addition to Lego’s signature attractions — such as kid-powered rides and giant Lego brick models — some of Cypress Gardens’ top draws are expected to stick around. The historical gardens will stay intact, according to Nick Varney, Merlin’s chief executive officer. Merlin said it plans to keep the popular Splash Island Waterpark operating, although it will be a separate, ticketed admission. Cypress Gardens’ water ski shows and one of its two wooden roller coasters will probably be integrated into the new Legoland as well, Varney said. -Orlando Sentinel

Winter Haven’s about an hour south east of Orlando which is home to the Disney parks, the Universal Parks, and SeaWorld. Central Florida seems like a saturated market to me, but I hope that the new park succeeds. Legoland California (Carlsbad, CA) and the other parks throughout the World look like fun family parks.
What’s Your Take?
Have you been to a Legoland? How do you think Legoland Florida will do? Leave a comment below.